Paper-reinforcing machine.



Patented Jan. 9,1917. 4 4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

c. H. HOWARD,

PAPER REINFORCING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLED JAN. 8. 19|5 RENEVIED APB. $4, i816.

C. H. HOWARD.

PAPER REINFORCING MACHINE. APPucAT-lon man mma, 1915. RENEwED APR. 14.1916.

' Patented J an. 9, 1917.

4 SHE ETS-SHEET 2.

C. H. HOWARD.

PAPER REINFORCING MACHiNE.

APPucATmN man 1AN.a.xs|5. RENEwED APH, 14,1916.

Patented Jan. (J, 1917.

4 SHEEYS- SHEET 3V @@Qyzwwz,

t. @1u [Kif C. H. HOWARD.

PAPER REINFORCING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLED IAN. 8 1915 RENEWED APR 14. |916- q Patented Jan. 9,1917.

4 SHEETSWSHEET 4.

'UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEroE.

CHARLES H. HOWARD, OF SAUGUS, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSICNOR 0F CNE-HALF TO PATRICK TRACY JACKSONl JR., 0F CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.

PAPEn-EEINFORCING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

ratei-ifea Jan. e, 1917.

Application filed January 8, 1915, SerialiNo. 1,208. Renewed April 14, 1916. Serial'No. 91,262.

To all inkom t may concern.'

Be it known that l, CHARLES H. HOWARD, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Sangue, county of Essex, and State of ftlassachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Paper-Reinforcing Machines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to machines for reinforcing fabrics by adhesively securing thereto a series of reinforcing elements, such as threads, tapes, cords, or the like.

As Well understood by those skilled in the art, the main dii'liculty encountered in the accomplishment of the desired reinforced fabric is the lproper introduction and appli- 'ation of the reinforcing elements that extend transversely of the fabric to be reinforced, and While various attempts have heretofore been made to introduce such transverse reinforcing elements, the mechanical dilhculties have not been satisfactorily overcome with due regard for economic production. lVliere such transverse reinforcingr elements have been introduced sin gly or in succession, the operation has neces sarily been slow, and often said elements have not been properly retained in transverse position until sufficiently incorporated with the fabric to insure permanency of their transverse disposition; and where the transverse reinforcing elements have been introduced in plural series, they have extended continuously in serpentine or diagonal relation to the fabric itself.

The aims and purposes of the present invention are to provide a machine for expeditiously and eifectively placing the reinforcing elements in plural numbers trans- .versely of the fabric to be reinforced and to maintain such transverse relation thereto until the said elements and fabric have become sufficiently united to insure permanency and proper transverse relation.

Another important feature of the` present invention consists in the grippers which are so constructed and arranged that a plurality of reinforcing elements may be grasped and held by the grimier jaws and carried into transverse relation with the fabric, even should the elements themselves vary in size.

A further important feature consists in the means for severing the reinforcing elements along or parallel to the edge of the fabric to be reinforced.

The above and other features of the invention will best be made clear from the n a Q u following description and accompanying drawings of one forni or embodiment of means for carrying the invention into practical effect, it being understood that the particulars and details thereof may be variously modified within the true scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

In the drawings, Figlfre l is a side elevation of a machine embodying features of the present invention; F ig. 2 is a planv vieu7 thereof with some of the parts broken away or omitted; Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the machine on the line 3-3, Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional detail showing more particularly the gripper construction; Fig. 5 is an enlarged side elevation of the pressure roller and cutter showingr the latter acting upon the reinforcing elements at the nip of the pressure roller and one form of means for operating the cutter; Fig. 6 is a fragmeutarv detail looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. l. at the face of one of the gripper-s; Fig. T a side elevation of one end of the pressure roller and showing the cutter associated therewith; Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 1l are, face views of certain cams td be described, showing in a general lWay the martigne-ation of the cam path; and Fig. 12 is a plan vievv of'a` piece of fabric having both longitudinal'and transverse reinforcin elements adhesively secured thereto, an with an overlying or covering fabric.

Tin` reinforcing elements may be threads, yarn, tapes, cords` Wires, or the like, but for the purposes of brevity and identification, these will be hereinafter referred to generally as threads. The present machine is primarily intended for reinforcing paper, but obviously the material tobe reinforced may be either paper or any other fabric.

The machine frame may be, of any suitable character, but as herein shown, it compnses side Vframes ,sustained upon appropriate supports wand transversely braced as circumstances may dictate. Extending inwardly from the top of the side frames l are flanges-3, Fig. 3, between which is supported the table 4 over which the paper is fed longitudinally through the machine.

The present invention contemplates that ihe paper to be reinforced may be taken from a source of supply and that such source of supply may be furnished by a paper-making machine from which the papermay be fed directly into the machine of the present invention, or it may, as indicated in the present exploitation of the invention, be in the form of a roll of paper 5, sustained upon suitable supports' mounted in the brackets 7 projecting at one end of the machine frame. i

From the -roll 5, the paper may appropriately pass about suitable guiding rolls. such as 8 and 9 to a roll 10 at one end of thc table 4, and then be moved longitudinally over the top of the table et to another guide roll 11. at the opposite end of the table, whence the paper web may be directed through the calender or other rolls 12 and 13, mounted in suitable bearings 14 andl in one of the upriglits 2 of the machine frame. material passing between the calender rolls 12 and 13 may be properly accommodated, one or both of these rolls may be iliade adjustable in its bearings, as indicated in Fig. l, and these calender rolls may, as usual, be properly driven to draw or feed the paper longitudinally through the machine from the source of supply. Obviously, other means for guiding and directing the paper and feeding it longitudinally, may be employed.

Rotatably sustained in suitable bearings 16, Fig. 1, is the cam shaft 17 which may be driven from any suitable source of power, and as the mechanical devices to this end are Well understood by those skilled in the art, further illustration or amplification will be unnecessary.

The present form of the invention contemplates that the means for introducing the transverse threads in plural number transversely ofthe paper to be reinforced, shall comprise grippers which shall take such threads from a source of supply, carry a plurality thereof simultaneously into a plane opposite the surface of the paper, then move such threads into contacting relation with the paper to be reinforced, and then move longitudinally with the paper while still holding the transverse threads against the surface thereof until such threads have become sufiiciently incorporated with the paper to retain their proper transverse disposition with respect thereto; whereupon, the

In order that the thickness of the said transverse threads are released from the grippers. ln order that the threads may thus become incorporated with or perinanentlysecured to the paper to be reinforced, the surface of said paper is preferably provided with an adhesive. lie appiicd to the paper as it is drawn ,from

the sourcioi' supply, as by means of a roll gitudinally with the paper, and have in addition to such movements, a movement toward and from the plane of the paper. A good, practical forni of this feature of the invention will now be described.

Mounted for rising and lowering movement with respect to the machine frame, is the gripper frame, comprising, in the present form of the invention, the standards 19, and connecting longitudinal and transverse braces 20, Figs. 1 and The standards 19 extend through suitable guideways 21, as indicated in Fig. 1, and at their lower ends are connected at 22 with a counter-weight 23 by suitable means. such as the flexible chain or strap 24, the construction being such that thc counter-weights .23 serve to coiuiterhalance the Weight of the gripper frame and the parts carried thereby, as will hereinafter more fully appear. The chain or flexible connection preferably passes over suitable guide pulleys Rising and falling movement of the gripper frame may he imparted by any suitable means, but in the present forni of the invention, said means comprises a rack-bar 26 secured to or formed upon each of the standards 19 and engaged with a co-aeting rack segment 27, secured to the transverse shafts 38, and having arms Q9 which are appropriately connected bya rod 30 for imparting to the rack segments QT appropriate movement in unison, substantiallyr as indicated in Fig. 1.

ln order to impart to the rack segments 27 the desired rocking movement, one of the arms 29, connected to the shaft 28, (that to the left in Fig. 1), has jointed thereto at 31, Fig. l, an operating arm provided with a roll 33, for engagement with the cam path 34 of the cam 35, Fig. 11, mounted on the shaft 17 the construction being such that upon rotation of the cam shaft 17 and, perforce, the cam 35, the gripper frame will This adhesive may are preferabl ytwo trackways accordin to the dicbe raisedand lowered h, as wil be readily tetes of the earn pa understood.

Secured to the gripper frame and preferably extending between the standards 19 at the opposite 4sides of the said frame, are the 36, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, on which are mounted the transversely-movable grip per carrier frames 37.- These gripper carrier frames each comprise a longitudinallysupporting member having at its end portions, suitable rolls 38, Fig. 1, for engaging the-up er and lower portions of the track- Ways 6, the construction being 'such that each of the gripper carrier frames is capable of movement transversely of the machine on' the trackways 36 carried by the grippe'r frame.

As a preferred form of this feature of the invention, each of the gripper carrier frames 37 has at its end portion, the brackets 39, Fig. 3, the upper portions of which carry the upper rollers 38 and the under ortions of `which carry the under rollers38, so that the trackways 3G, which extend transversely of the machine frame, are embraced by the rollers 38 which thereby serve to give to the gripper carrier frames, stability and accuracy of .rectilinear movement, as will presently appear. Since the gripper carrier framesV 37 eachsustain the gripper carriers to be hereinafter described, said frames are preferably7 made of suicient strength to 'perform their desired functions; and as a good, practical form, said frames constructed as indicated in Fig. 1, that-ris, with the vweb `portions 40, although, asv'vill be clearly evident to those skilled in the ant, this feature of the construction maar bevaried to iiuijjt'he condi tions of use.

`The present invention contemplates that vthe gripper carrier frames which, will be pfreeeutl4 ...described .carry the ripper can-if transversely of .the machine, Aand suitable meansnay be provided .to eiect su-ch transl verse .-mdyenient. In the illustrated form the brennen. @ich 'of the gripper caff-'1er .rame .iig-Fig 2 and dit 7 Ihas .secured"`thereto\, 4a rack .bar 3 which extends transversel h machine-frame intc'engagement with pinion 42,'preferably near the median portion ofthe machine" frame;.and ePPP' prlatefmoyement' is imparted togthe rack pinion 424to effect thetransverse movement ojftliefgrippi Ycarrier trainee.;A ilu the presentfernte .th'einvention,' thereare two of 4there being prefere ately formed in the transversely-extending portions 20 of the gxl'ipper frame, substantially as indicated in 41g. 2.

Secured at one end o' the shaft 43, Figs. 1 and 2, is a beveled gear 44 which is operatively engaged with a corresponding gear 45 secured to a shaft 4G extending toward one side of the machine frame, the outer end of saidshaft being operativel engaged by the beveled gears 4.7, 48, witi an upright Ashaft 49 which may be driven' through hitable gearing connection as indicated inslfig.

'1, from a se ment rack 50, such gearing c'onnection in t e present for m of the invention being constituted by the beveled gears 51, 52,

and the rack gear 53. In order that operative engagement may be continued through the'gearsl? and 48 as the gripper frame raised and lowered, the beveled gear 48 is mounted for movement with the grippler frame by means of a bracket 54, Fig. 1, and

is splined to the upright shaft 49.

The rack segment 50 is mounted upon the shaft 55, Fig. 1, from which projects a'n arm 56 jointed to an arm 57 which receives reciprocating motion from the cam 58, Fig. 9, having a cam path 59 and mounted upon the cam shaft ,17. In order to guidel the arm 57 in its reciprocating movement by its operating cam, the substantial form of, which is shown in Fig. 9, the said arm 57 has its end bifurcated as indicated in Fig. .1, to engage about the hub of the cam 59, but as such detail vof construction, is Well under# stood by those skilled in the art, further elucidation is unnecessary.

From the construction thus far described, it will be apparent that upon rotation of the cam shaft 17, the gripperframe'will be raised and lowered with respect to the support or table 4 and the gripper carrier frames will be. moved transversely .of theV machine toward and from each other through the degcr'ibed mechanism, or other form Vof operatm means.

ach ofthe gripper carrier frames '37,

ly two, one at each side of the machine, is provided with a longitudinally-extending track 60, Figs. 1 and 4,- for supporting the gripper carriers witl i capacity `for movement.longitudinally of the machine-frame. Each of the gripper carriers com rises a support 61the upturned,

flanges o which support a lseries of carrier table 4.` :In the!- .resentpillustration ofthe invention, the gripper carrier is shown by jaws adapted .to hold between them a plurality of threads. Depending from the grip er carrier or support 61 are the armsV 63,

igs. 1, and 4, which afford appropriate means for supporting the grippers as well as the operatingmeans therefor, as will more fully a pear.

In t e4 illustrated form of the invention the threads a are taken from a source of supply at one side of the machine and car- V ried by the grippers at .thatside of the machine toward the median line,V where the gri'ppers at the o posite side of the machine grasp the ends o the transverse threads and com lete the transverse movement thereof.

hen the gripper-s 'have carried the threads transversely of the machine, the resent invention provides that the gripper llame shall be lowered to place the series of threads held by the grippers in contact with the adhesive surface of the paper to be reinforced, and in order that the threads thus held by -the'grippers shall remain in pro er A transverse relation to the fabric as it is ed,

the-present invention further contemplates means for giving to the grippers a longitudinal movement along with the fabric as it is fed, while still holding4 the transverse threads. As one form of means to this end, each of the gripper carriers is provided with a longitudinally-extending rack 64, which is adapted to be engaged by suitable gears splined to the transversely-extending shaft 66, said gears being preferably connected for transverse movement with the gripper carrier frames 37 as said frames are moved transversely of the machine. The shaft 66 is carried in appropriate bearings 67 supportedby the longitudinal frame pieces 20 of the gripper frame, as indicated in Fig. 3,

and carries at one end thereof, a beveled` gear 68, Fig. 3, operatively engaged with a corres ending gear 69 splined to the upright shaft 0, the lower end of which carriesa' beveled gear 71 operatively engaged with a' corresponding gear 72 mounted in bearings 73 and having secured to the shaft thereof a gear 74 adapted t'obe operated bya segment ,rack 75, Fig. 1, the construction being such that `upon oscillatory movement of the segment rack 75, rotative movement in proper direction will be imparted to the eveled gear 72 and through the driving con-- nections, to the transverse shaft 66,- whereby movement longitudinally of the machine will be imparted to the gripper carriers and gripent rack 75 may 'be operated in The se fany suite le manner, but as shown, is mounted at 76 to the machine frame, Figi 1, and

has operatively. connected thereto an arm 7 7 actuated by a cam 78, Fig. 8, mounted on the cam shaft 17, said cam 78 being provided.

with an appropriate cam path 79 for engagement b a ro1180 carried b the arm 77 he arm 7 as hereinbefore escribed for the cam actuated arm 32, may have its end portion bifurcated to straddle and be guided y the hub of its actuating cam 78.

From the construction thus far described, it will be apparent that the grippers for placinga plurality of threads transversely of the fabric or paper' to be reinforced,`are given ,movements transversely of the ma'- chine to place the threadsl in such transverse relation -to3th'e fabric or paper, and then toward the yplane of the fabric or paper to be reinforced in order-to placeatheehreads in contact with the. adhesive surface of the still holdingtlie threads at each side of the fabric or paper, and that the grippers, while machine, move longitudinally with the fabric present invention, it is contemplated thatthe grippers at the thread supply. side of f the machine, which will hereinafter be designated the delivery grippers or jaws, shall be specifically different from the grippers at the opposite side of the `machine, which grippers will hereinafter be known asV the ta-king grippersor jaws.l l d jaw 81, Fig. 4, pivotally mounted on ,the portion 63 of the gripper carrier at 82, and

aving a facing 83 at its free; end. This i facing maybe of appropriate material for properly -acting "upon the texture lof the threads supplied. he lower jaw ofthe delivery grippers comprises a fixed member 84 and the upper jaw is moved about its pivotal mounting by a cam rod 85 to clamp, and unclamp the threads between the jaws;V

The taking grippers, that is the Vgrippers at the lopposite side of the machine, `com# prise the upper jaws.86, Fig. 4, pivotally mounted at 87 to the extensions 63 from the gripper carrier.' The lower jaw 0fthe taking gripper-s may be a xedlmember 88 and between the non-active portion of the jaws,

jaws, while a sprgng'rQO connected to the nonactive ends of the jaws serves toopenthem when permitted to do so by the cam operating bar 85..

An important feature of the present in-f vention'with respect to the grippers, conis the operating cam bar85 for closing the` 105 The deliveryY grippers comprise an upper sists in so constructing the aws of the grippers that a plurality of threads may be grasped and held between the jaws of the grippers, even though the dimensions or size of the threads themselves may vary. As one means to this end, one of the jaws of each gripper is provided with a series of independently-movable thread-engaging members, each member being intended to engage one thread between itself and the opposite jaw. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the lower jaw of each of the grippers is provided at its-end portion with a recess 91 and a tooth 92 having a portion 93 to engage said recess, and normally held in operative position on the jaw by a plate or holder 94 which may be secured to the jaw by a suitable set screw 95. The depth of the recess 91 in the jaw is somewhat greater than the length of the projecting portion 93 of the tooth which engages said recess, so that the' teeth 92 may move transversely or toward and from the opposite jaw to a limited extent.A The teeth 92, as indicated in Fig. 6, are arranged side-by-side along the acting end portion4 of one of the jaws, and are preferably of a size as indicated in to engage a single thread or other reinforcing element between itself and the facing piece 83 of the opposite jaw. It is desirable that the teeth 92, while being independently movable toward and from the upper jaw to accommodate different sizes,

'of threads, shall, nevertheless, be normally v. a series of spring fingers 96,

held yieldingly in initial position, and to this end the series of teeth 99. are acted upon by spring means for normally holding them in the position indicated in Fig. 4. In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawing, the said spring means comprises referably one for each of the teeth 92, as inf ated in Fig. 6, and said spring fingers 96 may be clamped to the jaw with which the teeth are associated by means of a clamping piece 9T, the end portion of which overlaps to some extent, the non-active end of the spring fingers 96, with the result that the spring action of said lingers is rendered sufficiently stable and energetic to insure secure clamping of the threads between the teeth and opposite' jaw of the grippers when the jaws are closed together.

The clar ping piece 97 may be secured to the jaw of the gripper by any suitable means, such as the clamping bolt 98. Fig. 4.

From the construction described, it will be apparent that when any of the jaws of the gripper-s are closed upon the threads a, the independently movable and yielding teeth 92 will enable the jaws to hold between them a plurality of threads, even though the said threads vary in size. It will be noted, also. from Fig. that the threads at the delivery side of the machine preferably pass through or between the 'aws of the delivery grippers and that the jaws of the taking grippers engage the projecting end portiois of the threads a offered by the delivery grippers.

Then the delivery grippers move from the side of the machine toward the median line, the reinforcing threads should be.

clamped between the jaws of the grippers with the ends projecting as in Fig. 4, and the taking grippers as they approach the delivery grippers, should have the jaws open to receive the projecting ends of the threads. Nhen the gripper-s have met or practically met near the median portion of the machine, the jaws of the taking grippers should close upon the threads and the jaws of the delivery grippers should open, 'whereupon the delivery and taking grippers will move toward their respective sides of the machine to carry the threads transversely. It is likewise desirable that when the delivery gri ppers have reached the outer side portion of the machine, the jaws thereof may be clamped upon the threads in order that the threads at both sides of the machine may be held by the gripping jaws as these jaws are moved longitudinally with the fabric or paper to be reinforced. When the grippers have moved the desired longitudinal extent to insure the lincorporation of theIl threads with the adhesive surface of the paper or' fabric, the threads should be released from their jaw control. These various conditions and the means for effecting them will now be described.

Secured to the cam bar 85, of the delivery grippers, is an actuating finger 99, F ig. 4,

which, when the jaws of the delivery gripl pers are closed, occupies substantially the dotted line position as indicated insaid figure. As the delivery jaws move toward the median line of the machine into the dotted line position shown by Fig. 2, the actuating finger 99 meets the opening stop 100 secured to a fixed part of the gripper frame, as indicated in F ig. 2, thereby turning the cam bar 85 and releasing the hold of the jaws upon the threads a. Likewise, projecting from the cam bar S5 of the taking grip pers is a finger 101, Figs. 1 and 4, which, when in dotted line position as indicated in said Fig. 4, permits the jaws of the grippers to be opened by the spring 90, which is delivering grippers separate toward the side portion of the machine, the taking grippers pulling the reinforcing threadsthrough the now unclamped jaws of the delivery grippers. As the delivery grippers reach their side portion ofthe machine, the linger 99 of the'cam bar 85 meets a jaw closing stop v103 secured to the gripper frame, thereby closing the gripper jaws of the delivery gripper upon the thread. Y Through the means hereinbefore described, or other Lequivalent devices, the gripper jaws are carried downward at this time to place the threads upon the adhesive surface of the fabric or paper, and then move longitudinally with the paper while still holding the threads. It is necessary, however, to release the threads from the grippers after they have performed their function; and to this end, the cam bar 85 of the taking grippers has an opening finger 104, Fig. 1, which, as the gripper carrier moves the grippers longitudinally of the machine, Fig. 1, meets the opening stop 105 secured to the gripper carrier frame, thereby releasing the ends of the reinforcing threads from the taking grippers. The threads are released from the delivery grippers, however, by cutting the threads along the edge of the fabric to be reinforced, leaving portions of the threads a projecting from the closed jaws of the delivery grippers, as indicated in Fig. 4.

So far as certain features of the invention are concerned, any appropriate means might be employed to sever the threads from the delivery grippers, but the present instance of the invention contemplates that the severing means shall be so constructed and arranged as to act upon and cut the threads by a severing cut, along the edge of the fabric or paper to which they have been applied, While such threads are held upon the paper. It may be desirable as the threads are severed or released from the grippers, that they be pressed into intimate contact with the adhesive surface of the paper by a rolling pressure. To this end, the present invention contemplates the provision of a pressure roller 106, Fi s. 1, 2, 5 and 7, extending transversely o the table 4 and having end Portions carried by bearings 107 mounted-on the'rack bars 108, Figs. 1 and 2. The rack bars 108 at each side of the 'machine, are operatively 'engaged by the gear 109 mounted on thetransvei'se shaft 110, Figs. 1 and 3. Mounted 'on the shaft 110 is a gear or pinion 111 which is in operative engagement with a toothed rack 112 loose'ly mounted onthe transverse shaft 28 at the left, Fig. 1. The rack segment 112 is oscillatedv upon the shaft 28 at' desired times byi'neans of an operating arml 11B, Figs.- 1y and 3, having suitable lconnection with an operating cam 114, Figs. 3 and 10, provided with a suitable cam path 115 adapted to engage a roller or pin 116 projecting from the arm 113, the construction being such that upon rotation of the cam 'shaft 17, the proper oscillatory movement will be imparted toithe segment raclr112 to move the rack bars 108, and, perforce, the pressure roll 106 longitudinally of the fabric and the transverse threads which have been laid. thereon. The operating arm 113, like the similar arms for operating the segment racks hereinbefore described, may have suitable bifurcated ends for the guidance of said bar during its reciprocating movements.

Eccentrically mounted with respect to the pressure roll 106 is the rotary cutter 117, Figs. l and 5. This cutter is preferably secured to a ring 118 which bears upon a circular trackway 119 carried by the bearing 107 eccentric with relation to the pressure roll 106, the construction being such that the cutting part 120, Fig. 5, of the rotary cutter, is substantially at the nip of the roll 106, where it bears upon the fabric or paper and the transverse threads, the result being that the threads themselves while being cut, are held from displacement.

It is desirable that the rotary cutter be given rotary movement as the roller and cutter are moved longitudinally of the fabric or paper; and to this end the bearing 1.07 has projecting therefrom, an arm 121, Figs. 5 and 7, carrying a pinion 122 in operative engagement with a pinion 123 secured for rotative movement with the cutter 117. Pivotally mounted at 124, Fig. 5, is an arm 125 carrying at its free end suitable bearings for a roll 126 which projects over the table and fabric or paper resting thereon, substantially :Ts indicated in F ig. 2. Mounted for rotative movement with the roll 126 is a. pinion 127 meshing with the pinion 122, the construction being such that as the rack bars 108 move the pressure roller 106 and the cutter longitudinally of the fabric or paper, on which the transverse threads have been laid, the roll 126 gives positive rotating cutting movement to the cutter 117 which performs the cutting action at the nip of the roller or where it bears upon the paper andthreads. In order to impart to the roll 126 ments on the surface .of the paper as well as the transverse reinforcing elements; and

the present invention, by Fig. 1, shows longltudinal threads b entering the machine at the right, Fig. 1, and extending longitudinally of the fabric to be reinforced. These longitudinal threads, of course, will lie beneath the transverse threads a, and it may be desirable that other longitudinal threads besuper oscd upon thc transverse threads alternate y with the threads b; and to this end, as indicated in Fig. 1, the longitudinal threads c are shown as being taken from a source of supply and carried about a guide roll 130, Figs. 1 and 2, supported in brackets 131, and then about a guide roll 132 mounted on proper supporting arms 133 and carried by the end portionslli of the rack bars 108. The end portions of the rack bars 1.08 may likewise be provided with a roll 135 over which the longitudinal threads c may be passed, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, and the said roll may have at its end portions, the guiding pulleys 13G movable upon the trackways 137, the construction being such that as the rack bars 108 move the pressure roller 106 longitudinally of the fabric or paper, the longitudinal threads r' which ma y alternate transversely of the fabric or paper with the longitudinal threads may be properly laid upon or over the transverse reinforcingr threads a, and theentire lreinforcingr thread structure be firmly embedded into the adhesive surface of `the paper.

The character of the adhesive which may be applied to the surface of the paper varies under different Aconditions of intended use. Some adhesives dry more rapidly than others; especially is this diffe-rence marked with respect to waterproof adhesives. 4It may therefore be desirabley where a quick-setting adhesive is employed, to move the `pressure roll -106 longitudinally over the reinforcing threads and the paper as soon as the transverse reinforcing threads have been properlyl laid upon the paper by the gripfpers. The present invention therefore Vvcontemplates this characteristic action and notes that such action or a more retarded movement of the roller 106 over the reinforcing threads and vpaper may be secured merely by a change in the form of the cam groove '115 in the cam 114.

A Itlmay bev desirable in some cases to superposeuion the reinforced fabric-taken` from thelgtjiginal source of supply'such -as the roil'pFig. 1, another fabric or web 0f paper. 'Il he preselit invention embraces Within its ffitntemplation, means' to this end; as indiiiliiiited at the left, Fig. 1., wherein a web or istrip of paper'fl is shown as being drawn from a source of supply in the. direction ofV the arrow, passed around suitable guide rolls 138 and/139,'Figqh and/)inver an adhesiveapplying rollerl, `wird web d being there conductedabout the upper calender roll 12 inta/super 'osed relation vvith'the underlying fabric, an the reinforcing threads thereon. t sometimes is expedient to adapt the machine forthe-teatment of different widths of paper or fabric tio be re'yforced; and'to this end xhlsupport or i-,ablewt is made adjustable in width, so as to accommodate the desired width of fabric or paper being 4 passed thcreover. ln thcpresent form of'tho invention, the table 4 may beadjusted in width by means of the filler pieces 141, Fig. 3. at each side thereof. said filler pieces bcingl appropriately secured to theA iianges 3 o't' the machine frame by suitable bolts 14:2 or otherwise. lVhen the table is changed in width, the length of the pressure roll 10G will be such as to adapt suoli roll to the treatment of the prescribed width of paper.

This may be effected by the substitution of longerl or shorter rolls.

lVhen the paper is varied in width, the present machine provides means for varying the transverse travel of the grippers to correspond thereto; and to this end, the actuating arm 57, Fig. l, is connected to the rack segment 50 by means of a pin and adjusting slot connection 1.43. longitudinal movement of the grippers along with the fabric while still holding' the transverse threads may be changed in accordance with the demands of use, and the Similarly, the Y present machine provides this variation in v the longitudinal travel by means-of the slotted connection 1H between the rack segment 75 and its actuating arm 77.

Changes in various parts, andlnodification of the actuating means may be made within the scope of the present invention, but the described means has been found to be practically effective, and ay good, practical e ibodiment of the invention.

l\ t is claimed iszl. 1n a machine for reinforcing fabrics, the combination of means for feeding afabric longitudinally, gripper means for taking a plurality of threads from a source of supply and placing them transversely to the p and means for moving the'grippers longitudinally; v V

3. In .a machinel of the character described, the 'combination' of 'means for supporting and feeding 'afabrie longitudinally, grip ers, means for causing seid grip ers to simu taneously carry ayplurllty of t reads transversely o'f thejfabric, means/for 'moving the grippers. toward the lane of the fabric to piace the transverse reads held bv the in the same direction as the fabric.

i transverse threads.

the combination of means for feeding a fab` a 1,21 Lesa grippers into contact with the'surface of 9. In a paper reinforcing machine, 'the the fabric, and means for moving the gripcombination of paper feeding devices, grippers longitudinally with and at the samel per means comprising a plurality ofgripper speed as the fabric while still holding the sections, means for simultaneously moving said sections transversely of the paper to 4. In a machine foi; reinforcing fabrics, place a plurality of threads transverselyof the combination of means forfeeding a faband opposite to the paper, means for simulric longitudinally, grippers, and means for taneously moving the gripper sections tomoving said grippers in three directions, ward the plane of the paper to place transfirst, transversely of the fabric; second, toverse threads held by any 'of the sections ward the fabric; and third, longitudinally upon tliesurface thereof, and' means for simultaneously moving the gripper section 5.' In a machine for reinforcing fabrics, longitudinally withthe' paper.

10. 1n a' machine for reinforcin fabrics, ric lon itudinally, gripper means for taking the combination of means ,for ceding a a plura ity of threads from a source of supfabric, grippers, means causing said gripply and placing them transversely to the pers to engage and carry threads transsurface of the fabric to be reinforced, means versely of sai fabric, means for movin the for moving said gripper means toward the grippers toward the plane of the fabric to surface lane of the fabric to place the4 place the transverse threads upon the surthreads in contact with thefabric, means face thereof, means for moving the gripfor moving the gripper means with the fabpers longitudinally With the fabric Whlle ric While still Vholding the transverse holding the transverse' threads, a roller, and threads, and means to release the transverse means for moving the roller over the fabric threads from the grippers. e and transverse threads.

6( In amachine for reinforcing fabrics, 11. In a paper reinforcing machine, the

' the combination of means for feeding a fab# combination of means for feeding longiric longitudinally, a plurality of gripper tudinally a paper strip having anadhesive means for causing said grippers to simulsurface, grippers at eachside of the mataneously carry a series of threads trans- VChine, means for moving the grippers toversely of the fabric, means for movin the ward and away from each other to carry a grippers toward the plane of the f a ric, 'plurality of threads transversely of the maineans for moving the ippers longitudi- ,chine, means for moving the grippers tonally with the fabric while still holding the ward the plane of `the paper to carry 'the transverse threads, and means for releasing transverse threads into contact therewith, the transverseA threads from the grippers means for moving the grippers at each side after said threads have been laid upon the of the machine longitudinally with the paf surface ofthe fabric. per While still holding the transverse threads 7. In a machine for reinforcing paper, in contact therewith. l the combination 5of means for feeding paper 12. In a machine for reinforc'` fabrics, longitudinally, grippers'for engaging trans- Y the combination of means for. ceding a verse threads, means for causing said gripfabric, grippers, means 1,causing said grip;

persv to move a plurality of threads simultaneouslyf'transversely 'ijf and a plane versly7 yof said gfabric, means lfoi-moving above the paper, means for moving the gripthe gnppers toward the plane of the fabric pers downward to place the transverse to lace the transverse threads upon the threads into-`contact vgith the paper, and sur acepthereof, means for mo the gripmeans for moving thev 'ppers lo -loiigitndinally with the-fa ric while pers to engage and .carry ,threadsl trans- 'tudii Y nally with the paper as it is fed "W '1 e still` iiolding thetransverse threads, a rollerfor.

iiicontact with `the fabric L `said support, and means foi,"- .iA

holding the transverse threads, andl meanspreSsingthe threads and fabric together, OPeFtlVe during the lllgtlldDH-Lvement -and,;neans for moving the roller, over of the` gri pers torelease heiV nsverse.'

p .i l 1 threads are held by tliegi'ippers.-

8. In a fab'c rein `orciii imacliine, the 1,3. In u machine for reinforcin fabrics, combination of a support, mean@v for the combination of means" fon ing a tinuously feeding paper lgngitudnally. fabric,,gr1ppers, means causing said grip4 said support, a series o fgrippegfsffor en#` pers to e gaging transverse threads,`ineans 'for mov'- verselyof sai `fabric,mean's for movin rthe.

ing the series of grippers transversel over Qgripper's tovvardlthe plane Vof the fabric` to V i said support to place the reads yfed Qvi taglieously` `lt'ingituclin yf-wiflliithe lfabric 'w` moving the series of grippers lo l "dinally the, transverse threads, .a roller for with the fabric while still ih they-'pressingthe threads andfab'ric together,

'i place thetansverse threads upon thel transverse threads.

andcarry threads 'transj and meknsf'for moving the-,roller over the'130 fabric and threads in a direction opposite to the longitudinal movement of the grippers while holding said threads. x

14. In a machine for reinforcin fabrics, the combination of means for ceding a fabric, grippers, means causing said grippers to engage and carry threads transversely of said fabric, means for moving the grippers toward the plane of the fabric to,

place the transverse threads upon the surface thereof, means for .moving the grippers longitudinally with the fabric while olding the transverse threads, a roller for pressing the threads and fabric together,

"side ofthe machine, means for moving said grippers toward and from each other to simultaneously place a series of threads transversely of the paper in a plane above the said adhesive surface, means for lowering the grippers at each side of the machine to p ace `the transverse threads against the adhesive surface,'means for moving the grippers longitudinally with the paper while holding the threads against the adhesive surface thereof, and means for superposing another strip of paper upon the first-named strip and threads f 16. In a fabric reinforcing machine, means for feeding a fabric longitudinally, means for carrying a plurality of threads transversely of the fabric and then longitudina ly with the fabric, a cutter for severing t e threads at one edge of the fabric, and means actuated by relative movement of the fabric and cutter for operating the. cutter.y

, 17 In a fabric reinforcin machine, means for feeding the fabric longitudinally, means for placing a series of threads transversely of the fabric, a cutter, means for moving the cutter longitudinally along the edge of said fabric, and means actuated by such movement of the cutter for operating the same.

18. In a fabric reinforcing machine, means for feeding the fabric longitudinally, means for lacin a series of threads transversely of t e fa ric, a roller for pressing the threads against the fabric, a rotary cutter acting upon the threads while held against the fabric by said roller, and means for moving the roller andcutter longitudinally of the fabric.

19. In a fabric reinforcing machine, means for feeding the fabric longitudinally, means for placing a series of threads transversely of the fabric, a roller for pressing the fabric and threads together, a rotary cutter mounted for `cuttin the threads substantially at. the ni oft e `roller, and means for moving the rol er and cutter longitudinally of the fabric.

20. In a fabric reinforcing machine, means for feeding the fabric longitudinally, means for placing a series of threads transversely of the fabric, a roller acting to press the fabric and threads .togethen a rotary cutter to cut the threads substantially at the nip of the roller, means for moving the roller and cutter longitudinally of, the fabric, and means for rotating the cutter.

21. In a machine for reinforcing fabrics by transverse threads, the combination of fabric feeding means, and grippers for placing a plurality of threads transversely of the fabric, said grippers each comprising a pair of jaws one member of which has aseries of thread engaging portions independently movable toward and from the opposed jaw to enable a pluralit of threads of varying sizes to be held by t e jaws, and means for operating the jaws.

22. In a machine of Ithe character described, a pair of gripper jaws for engaging and clamping a series of threads, one of said jaws having a series of independently movable thread engaging portions, yielding means for holding said thread engaging portions in normal position and permitting said portions to yield independently' to accommodate threads of varying sizes to be held between said jaws, and means for operating said jaws.

23. In a machine for reinforcing fabrics, a pair of gripper jaws for engaging a plurality of threads between them, one of sait jaws having `a series of independentlymovable thread engaging teeth arranged sideby-side, means for detachably holdin said independently movable teeth on sai jaw, and means for operating the jaws.

24. In a machine for reinforcing fabrics, a pair of gripper jaws for engaging a plurality of threadsbetween them, one of said jaws having a series of teeth arranged side by-side, yielding means acting independently upon each tooth and permitting 1t to yield in a direction toward and from the opposite jaw to ada t the jaws to hold a series of threads o different sizes, and means for operating the jaws. f

25. In a machine for reinforcing fabrics, a pair of gripper jaws for engaging a plurality of threads between them, one 0f said jaws having a series of thread engaging teeth arranged side-by-side, yielding means for holding said teeth in normal position relative to said jaw and permitting each tooth to move independently of the others of the series in accordance with the size of the thread, and means for limiting movement of the teeth. Y

26. In a machine of the character described, a pair of gri per jaws to engage a plurality of threads etween them, one of said jaws havin a recessed end portion, a series of threat engaging teeth arranged side-by-sde on said jaw and having a recess engaging portion of less length than the depth of the recess, yielding means normally holding said teeth projected toward the opposite jaw and permitting them to yield independently in accordance with the size of the threads as the jaws are closed.

27. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for moving a transverse thread receiver, gripper means for taking a plurality of threads from a source of supply and placing them transversely to ythe receiver, means for moving the gripper means toward the receiver to transfer the transverse threads thereto, and means for moving the gripper means with the receiver while still holding the transverse threads.

28. In a machine -of the character described, the combination of means for moving a transverse thread receiver longitudinally, gripper means for taking-,a series of threads from a source of snplply and distending them in` parallel re ation transversely of the thread receiver, means for moving the ripper means toward the thread receiver and in the direction of movement of the thread receiver to transfer the threads thereto.

29. In a machine of the character described, the combination of means for mov ing a thread receiver continuously, gripper means for deliveringa series of transverse threads to said receiver, and means for moving the gripper means transversely of the receiver, toward the receiver, and in the direction of movement of the receiver to transfer the threads thereto.

30. In a machine, of the character described, the combination of a series of grippers, means for moving the series of grippers transversely of the machine to simultaneously carry a series of threads from a source of supply into a transverse osition, a. transverse thread receiver, means or moving said receiver longitudinally of the machine, means for moving the series of grippers toward the receiver, and' means for moving the grippers in the direction of movement of the receiver to transfer the threads thereto.

.31. In a machine of the character described, the combination of'means for moving a thread receiver continuously, gripper means for deliverin a series of transverse threads to said receiver, means for moving the gripper means transversely of the receiver, toward the receiver, and in the direction of movement of the receiver to transfer the threads thereto, and means for ireemg the transverse threads from the grippers after they have beenV delivered to the re- Ceiver.

In a machine of the character described, the combination of gripper means at each side of the machine, means for moving the gripper means toward and from each other to place a series of threads transversely of the machine., a transverse thread receiver, means for moving the gripper means toward the thread receiver and also in the direction of movement of the receiver to deliver the transverse threads thereto.

33. In a machine of the character described, gripper means for carrying a. series of threads transversely of the machine said gripper means comprising a pair of jaws one of which has a series of independently movable thread engaging portions to enable threads of different dimensions to be held between the jaws, and means for operatin'g the gripper means.

34.*In a machine of the charactendescribed, the combination of a main frame, a gripper carrying frame, means for moving the gripper carrying frame relative to the main frame, gnppers carried by the gripper frame, means for moving the grippers transversely of the ripper carrying frame for taking threads rom a source of supply and placing transversely of the gripper carrying frame, a transverse thread receiver, means for moving it longitudinally, and means for moving the grippers in the direction of receiver movement to transfer the threads thereto.

35. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a. series of grippers each adapted to enga e a plurality of threads, a transverse threa receiver,means for moving it continuously, means for operating the series of grippers for taking threads from a sour o supply and placing them transversely o 'the receiver, means for moving the series of grippers toward the transverse thread receiver, and means for movin the series of grippers in the direction o receiver movement to transferring the threads to said receiver.

36. In a machine of the character described,'gripper means for moving a plurality of threads transversely of material to be reinforced comprising jaws, one of which has relatively movable portions cooperating with the other for clamping threads of different thicknesses, and means for operating said jaws.

37. In a maschine of the character described, gripper means for moving a plurality of threads transversely of material to be reinforced com rising jaws, one of which has yieldable relatively movable portions cooperating with the other lfor clamping scribed, gripper means for moving a pluname to this specification in the presence of rality of threads transversely of material two subscribing witnesses. to be reinforced comprising jaws having elements movable relatively to said jaws for CHARLES H' HOWARD b clamping threads of different thicknesses, Witnesses:

and means for operating said jaws. EDWARD D. ALLEN,

In testimony whereof I have signed my BEATRICE I. SMITH. 

